He disembarked yesterday at Salernum, and, after brief repose, hopes to visit us.

Your Amiability will, I am sure, welcome his coming.' 'Assuredly,' answered Maximus, bending his head, whilst his eyes watched the distant sail.

'Whence comes he ?' 'From Sicily.

We shall learn, I dare say, the business which took him there,' added Petronilla, with a self-satisfied softening of her lips.
'The deacon is wont to talk freely with me of whatever concerns the interests of our holy Church, even as I think you remember, has now and then deigned--though I know not how I have deserved such honour--to ask, I dare not say my counsel, but my humble thoughts on this or that.
I think we may expect him before morning.

The day will not be too warm for travel.' Maximus wore an anxious look, and spoke after hesitation.
'Will his reverend leisure permit him to pass more than one day with us ?' 'Earnestly I hope so.